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SOW: Social Work Courses

Concurrent Course

This course may be taken prior to or during the same term.

College:

Education and Professional Studies

Courses

SOW 2192 Understanding Relationships in the 21st Century

3 sh (may not be repeated for credit)

Human relationships with a focus on the interrelatedness and effects of underlying theoretical principles as they relate to individual, family and group interactions.
General Education: Social Science - Behavioral Perspectives.

Social personality and cognitive development, normal and abnormal, normative and non-normative crisis and gender issues with an emphasis on cultural diversity. Importance of social work intervention and treatment with individual, family, and community.

SOW 3113 Human Behavior in Organizations and Communities

3 sh (may not be repeated for credit)

Introduces the future practitioner to the concept of change agent within organizations, institutions, and communities. Prepares the student with academic concepts on community organization as a prelude to the practice course. Emphasis is placed on the student's ethical responsibilities to the client, organizational structure of human service agencies and the elements common to them. Students will understand structural and organizational differences between profit and nonprofit agencies. Students will experience organizational obstacles to planned change. The dynamics of gender, class, race, ethnicity, and sexual orientation are examined in relationship to how they are played out within the organizational context.

SOW 3203 Introduction to the Field of Social Work

3 sh (may not be repeated for credit)

Survey of the social work profession from its roots to contemporary practice with a descriptive focus on its values, knowledge bases, skills, and fields of practice. Emphasis is on generalist social work and social policy structures which sustain society. Introduces the relationship of social problems to social policy and to social service delivery systems.

SOW 3313 Work With Individuals and Families

3 sh (may not be repeated for credit)

One of four practice courses designed to prepare the student for generalist social work. Emphasis is on the values, knowledge, and skills necessary for effective assessment and intervention on the micro level, and is reflected in several areas, including the worker / client relationship, assessment, strategies and implementation techniques, the social worker's use of self, the phases of the helping process, and evaluation. Using the systems approach, emphasis is placed on social, cultural familial, and environmental influences on the functioning of individuals and families. Permission is required.

SOW 3314 Case Management

3 sh (may not be repeated for credit)

Designed to help students develop a general overview of case management and how it is defined and practiced in a variety of settings, such as juvenile justice programs, mental health programs, and nonprofit community agencies.

SOW 3322 Work With Groups

3 sh (may not be repeated for credit)

One of a series of four courses designed to prepare a student for generalist social work practice. The student will acquire the knowledge base, values and skills necessary for working with groups at the beginning professional level. The focus will be on developing the knowledge base, values and practice skills needed to use the problem solving approach to work with diverse populations within various types of groups. Stages of groups and activities that can enhance the group process will be explored. Permission is required.

SOW 3350 Interviewing and Recording

3 sh (may not be repeated for credit)

Practice in interviewing techniques and in precise, descriptive, and accurate writing techniques for practitioners in social work, psychology, and other helping professions.
Gordon Rule: Writing.

One of four practice courses designed to prepare the student for generalist social work. Through agency experience, classroom instruction, and introspective discussion, students develop self-awareness, beginning skills and knowledge, and a professional attitude. Students are introduced to a social agency setting, the varying needs and vulnerabilities of clients served, the problem solving process, and the development of basic knowledge and skills necessary in helping relationships with systems of various sizes. Restricted to social work majors. Permission is required.

SOW 3650 Introduction to Child Welfare

3 sh (may not be repeated for credit)

Prepares social workers and others to enter the field of child welfare with a better understanding of the history of this movement and the types of services and programs designed to assist children and families. Also introduces and provides information to any interested person regarding the social problems of children and the availability of services to children in need.

SOW 3783 Human Trafficking

3 sh (may not be repeated for credit)

The purpose of this course is to educate social work students on human trafficking and develop a framework for professional intervention. This course is designed to examine the human trafficking phenomenon of modern day slavery of men, women, and children. Course content will include the examination of domestic and international policy, the differences in labor and sexual trafficking, and
the scope and prevalence of human trafficking as an international concern. The socio-political, cultural, and economic issues that contribute to the increased phenomenon of trafficking with women and children will be explored as well as the traumatic effects on victims, families, and the community. The social workers role in providing intervention and advocacy services will be explored.

SOW 3905 Directed Study

1-12 sh (may be repeated indefinitely for credit)

SOW 4111 Adolescents At Risk

3 sh (may not be repeated for credit)

Explores environmental and societal factors that contribute to risky behaviors of adolescents such as substance use, delinquency, sexual activity, and violent behavior, and others. Characteristics of high risk and low risk youth are discussed including the relationship of these characteristics to adolescent development. Prevention, intervention, and treatment approaches are discussed.

SOW 4141 Social Aspects of Family Violence

3 sh (may not be repeated for credit)

Introduces basic concepts, principles, and methods for understanding and identifying family violence. Topics include an historical overview; the impact of domestic violence on the community and on the woman, children, and man involved; the identification of emotional, physical, and sexual aspects of abuse; safety planning and levels of lethality; an introduction to effective intervention.

Examines social welfare policy as a central concern to social work. Addresses policy practice. Includes improvement of human services delivery systems through the application of problem solving, critical thinking and other necessary skills. Offered concurrently with SOW 5218; graduate students will be assigned additional work.

Examines the impact of social, economic, and political environments on diverse populations specifically race, gender, age, ethnicity, culture, class, sexual orientation, religion, and physical and mental ability. Integrates the key elements of the profession of social work through the filter/lens of social, political, and economic justice. Offered concurrently with SOW 5629; graduate students will be assigned additional work
Meets Multicultural Requirement.

SOW 4242 Families and Family Treatment

3 sh (may not be repeated for credit)

Designed to define and understand contemporary family forms and family functions, both normative and in crisis, and introduces modalities for assisting troubled families. Addresses such issues as: the impact of the family life cycle, strategies and goals of family treatment, single parent families, gay and lesbian couples and families, and families with chronically and terminally ill members. Offered concurrently with SOW 5243; graduate students will be assigned additional work.

Field education experience in social service agency with a qualified professional supervisor. A minimum of 400 hours is required. Restricted to social work majors. Graded on a satisfactory/unsatisfactory basis only. Eighteen semester hours of required social work courses, 2.5 GPA in major, and permission is required. Material and Supply Fee will be assessed.

Designed to integrate previously learned beginning generalist practice concepts, values, knowledge, attitudes and skills with practice. Eighteen semester hours of required social work courses, 2.5 GPA in major, and permission is required.

SOW 4674 Social Issues and Intervention Strategies in Social Work Practice with Older Adults

3 sh (may not be repeated for credit)

Embraces an interdisciplinary approach to intervention strategies to eliminate or ameliorate problems/crises faced by aging clients. Demographics are addressed.

SOW 4679 Response to Disasters in the Community

3 sh (may not be repeated for credit)

The course is designed to provide the student with an understanding of disasters; man made and natural and their affect of the individual and community. Focus will be on preparation and response to disaster affected populations. Previous disaster responses will be critiqued in efforts to learn how to better prepare for future disasters. Basic human needs will be examined and how best a
community can help to logistically provide for those needs. In addition, populations with special needs will be examined throughout all phases of the life cycle. Mental Health response will be addressed including cognitive/emotional stages people experience following a disaster.

SOW 4700 Substance Abuse Prevention and Treatment: Special Issues

3 sh (may not be repeated for credit)

Historical, legal, ethical, and social issues relating to drug abuse prevention and treatment. The family unit will serve as a basic focus for the area of prevention. Various treatment approaches will be covered from outpatient counseling to therapeutic communities. Offered concurrently with SOW 5710; graduate students will be assigned additional work.

SOW 4740 Dimensions of Death and Dying: Special Issues

3 sh (may not be repeated for credit)

Assists the student, both personally and as a professional helping others, to approach death and dying with enhanced knowledge, sensitivity, and less dread and denial. Examines historical, social, legal, cultural, and interpersonal aspects of death and bereavement within the context of professional practice. Offered concurrently with SOW 5745; graduate students will be assigned additional work. Credit cannot be received for both SOW 4682 and SOW 4740.

SOW 4905 Directed Study

1-12 sh (may be repeated indefinitely for credit)

SOW 5105 Human Behavior in the Social Environment I

3 sh (may not be repeated for credit)

Provides an understanding of social functioning throughout all phases of the life cycle by examining the interaction between the biological deterrents of growth and development and various systems of our social environment. Focus is on the interrelatedness and effects of individuals, families and groups and of genetic, emotional and societal systems and values that foster or impede social functioning.

SOW 5106 Human Behavior in the Social Environment II

3 sh (may not be repeated for credit)

Familiarizes students with the academic concepts of macro assessment and community organization through planned change processes. Emphasis is placed on the social worker's role as a change agent, strategies and models for community organizing, and ethical responsibility to the client, organization, community, and the profession.

This course focuses on cognitive behavioral therapy, clinical decision making, advanced clinical interventions, while building on a generalist approach to social work practice. The course utilizes the clinical-community concentration prerequisites and an understanding of normal development and psychopathology as a foundation for advanced practice. It examines ways in which cognitive behavioral theory and model of intervention with individuals, families and groups can be tailored to client needs. The course addresses work with clients across the life cycle who are experiencing a variety of problems and difficulties. Methods of enhancing adaptive functioning and resiliency through cognitive behavioral therapy are emphasized. Permission is required.

SOW 5149 Social Work Practice In The Military

3 sh (may not be repeated for credit)

A comprehensive and in depth examination of the practice of military social work. The course provides a historical context and a thorough review of the specific practice of social work in the
U.S. military.

SOW 5218 Analysis of Social Service Policy

3 sh (may not be repeated for credit)

Examines social welfare policy as a central concern to social work. Addresses policy practice. Includes improvement of human services delivery systems through the application of problem solving, critical thinking and other necessary skills. Offered concurrently with SOW 4232; graduate students will be assigned additional work.

SOW 5241 Advanced Child Welfare Practice

3 sh (may not be repeated for credit)

Elective course focusing on understanding child abuse and neglect that is designed to provide advanced direct practice (clinical) knowledge and skills necessary for working in public or private child welfare settings with multiple risk families, and in collaboration with multiple providers and systems. The course will address the historical perspective on child maltreatment, and the role of the family in today?s society. Department Permission is required.

SOW 5243 Families and Family Treatment

3 sh (may not be repeated for credit)

Designed to define and understand contemporary family forms and family functions, both normative and in crisis, and introduces modalities for assisting troubled families. Addresses such issues as: the impact of the family life cycle, strategies and goals of family treatment, single parent families, gay and lesbian couples and families, and families with chronically and terminally ill members. Offered concurrently with SOW 4242; graduate students will be assigned additional work.

SOW 5305 Generalist Practice I

3 sh (may not be repeated for credit)

First course in a two course sequence which covers generalist social work practice. Basic generalist practice skills with individuals, families, and groups. Basic communications and interviewing skills are introduced and practiced. Tasks and skills required in the beginning practice: preparation, engagement, first interviewing skills, and case documentation. The process of collecting relevant social, psychological, cultural, economic, and biological data from individuals, families, and groups and organizing and analyzing data for problem formulation. Historical and contemporary perspectives of the case management process are highlighted focusing on advocacy roles. Practice skills and the application of those skills through the use of interactive exercises and role plays.

SOW 5309 Prevention and Intervention Strategies for Children Ages 0-5 and Their Families

3 sh (may not be repeated for credit)

Generalist practice methods for children 0-5 and their families. An overview of developmental, psychological, sociological and legal issues. Strategies for prevention and intervention. Offered concurrently with SOW 4303; graduate students will be assigned additional work.

SOW 5324 Generalist Practice II

3 sh (may not be repeated for credit)

Introduces the knowledge base, values and skills necessary for working with groups at the beginning professional level. Develops the knowledge base, values, principles, and practice skills needed to work with diverse populations within various types of groups. Stages of groups and activities will be explored that can enhance the group process and its purpose towards achieving its objectives.

SOW 5356 Play Therapy: Theory and Techniques

3 sh (may not be repeated for credit)

Students will learn the theoretical underpinnings of play therapy and the techniques by which the theory is practiced. Permission is required.

SOW 5386 Occupational Social Work

3 sh (may not be repeated for credit)

An overview of Occupational Social Work for graduate-level students including historical trends and emerging issues. The course will address the scope of Occupational Social Work practice, including strategies for macro- and micro-levels of intervention. The needs of specific populations and will be examined. The core technologies of the Employee Assistance Program (EAP)
practitioner and resources for professional development will be identified. Permission is required.

SOW 5404 Social Work Research Foundations

3 sh (may not be repeated for credit)

An introduction to research methodology in the evaluation of social work practice and program evaluation. Offered concurrently with SOW 4403; graduate students will be assigned additional work.

SOW 5532 Foundation Year Field Instruction and Integrative Seminar I

3 sh (may not be repeated for credit)

Integrates foundation curriculum social work course content and 400 hours field education experience in order for students to function as generalist social work practitioners. Issues related to social work values and ethics, diversity, social and economic justice, populations at risk, human behavior and the social environment, social welfare policy and services, practice and research are examined within the context of the student's field education experiences. Graded on a Satisfactory/Unsatisfactory basis only. Permission is required.

SOW 5614 Domestic Violence and the Social Work Practice

3 sh (may not be repeated for credit)

An examination of the history and dynamics of intimate partner violence including a discussion of theories, various forms of domestic violence, its impact, consequences and factors that exacerbate violence. Prevention and intervention strategies will be discussed along with policies that influence this social problem. Throughout the course, the focus will be to learn effective
strategies that empower each family member to recover and/or change positively. The consideration of social work values and ethics, as well as the concerns of disadvantaged groups will be stressed.

SOW 5629 Human Diversity and Social Justice

3 sh (may not be repeated for credit)

Examines the impact of social, economic and political environments on diverse populations specifically race, gender, age, ethnicity, culture, class, sexual orientation, religion, and physical and mental ability. Integrates the key elements of the profession of social work through the filter/lens of social, political and economic justice. Offered concurrently with SOW 4233; graduate students will be assigned additional work.

SOW 5710 Substance Abuse Prevention and Treatment: Special Issues

3 sh (may not be repeated for credit)

Historical, legal, ethical, and social issues relating to substance abuse prevention and treatment. The family unit will serve as a basic focus for the area of prevention. Various treatment approaches will be covered from outpatient counseling to therapeutic communities. Offered concurrently with SOW 4700; graduate students will be assigned additional work.

SOW 5757 The History, Philosophy, and Theory of Social Work Practice

3 sh (may not be repeated for credit)

Introduces the student to the Social Work Profession and the history, philosophy, theory, and development of social work practice. Perspectives on social welfare, social work as a profession, and core concepts will be introduced. Content will cover aspects of social work practice including poverty, child welfare, criminal justice, health and mental health, homelessness, and aging.

SOW 5905 Directed Study

1-12 sh (may be repeated indefinitely for credit)

SOW 6116 Evaluation and Treatment of Trauma-Related Conditions

3 sh (may not be repeated for credit)

In-depth examination into the impacts of trauma on individuals, couples, families, and communities. Specific attention is given to learning how to assess and treat individuals who have been exposed to recent or previous traumatic events. Using multiple case scenarios, participants will be introduced to empirically-supported interventions for treated Acute Stress Disorder and Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder. They will also learn about the impacts of these conditions on partner relationships and other family members. The course also outlines know efforts to foster resiliency among these individuals and families. Department Permission is required.

SOW 6125 Psychopathology for Social Work

3 sh (may not be repeated for credit)

Patterns of human behavior and psychosocial functioning commonly conceptualized as psychopathology. Addresses such concepts as function, mental health, mental illness, normality and abnormality. Prevalent categories of psychiatric disorders are considered as to their labeling process, differentiating characteristics, explanatory theories and relevance for social work practice.

SOW 6297 Ethical Decision Making in Social Work

3 sh (may not be repeated for credit)

Students will explore further the history of Social Work ethics and values and will address relevant ethical theoretical frameworks. Emphasis will be placed on students embracing professional standards of practice, legal requirements, and self-awareness regarding professional ethical behavior. Students will examine in-depth the ethical decision-making process. Department Permission is required.

SOW 6326 Social Work Intervention with Groups

3 sh (may not be repeated for credit)

The advanced social work practitioner is required to demonstrate group skills in a wide variety of practice situations. The focus of this course is on the design and implementation of group treatment services for at risk populations of varying ages, social situations and composition. Students will be afforded the opportunity to develop a clear sense of the scope, uses and skills of group work in the social work profession. Department Permission is required.

SOW 6345 Social Work Leadership, Management and Supervision

3 sh (may not be repeated for credit)

Introduction to the values, principles and functions that provide the foundation for effective leadership and management practice in the field of social work. Students will receive an overview of styles and skills used in social work leadership, management and supervision which are appropriate to both clinical and community social work practice settings. This course will provide students with values, principles and strategies for leading teams, problem-solving, and supporting multicultural and diverse staffing in social work agencies. Department Permission is required.

This course will focus on the goals of group and filial play therapy. In group play therapy, topics include the role of the play therapist, selection of group members, planning/structuring of sessions, and developmentally responsive play and expressive arts activities. In filial play therapy, also known as Child Parent Relationship Therapy (CPRT), the focus is on intervention skills designed to improve parent-child relationships using a group parent-training format. Students will be expected to use play therapy kit created during SOW 5356. Department Permission is required.

SOW 6432 Evaluation of Social Work Practice

3 sh (may not be repeated for credit)

Practice evaluation using simple subject design and program evaluation that is grounded in social science and social work research literature. Particular attention will be paid to the ethical issues of conducting research, especially with oppressed or vulnerable populations.

SOW 6475 Applied Research

3 sh (may not be repeated for credit)

Students plan, design, and conduct a research project in conjunction with the student's field placement. Special emphasis is on the conduct and use of empirical research in applied settings.

Integrates theoretical models and concepts with practical experience gained in concurrent field education. Integrates skills and knowledge acquired through the entire social work curriculum. Material and Supply Fee will be assessed.

This is the second of two advanced master's level field internship and integrative seminars. Assists social work graduate students in integrating theoretical models and concepts with practical experience gained in concurrent field education. Integrates skills and knowledge acquired through the entire social work curriculum. Material and Supply Fee will be assessed.

SOW 6548 Advanced Seminar in Clinical Social Work Practice

3 sh (may not be repeated for credit)

Capstone course in clinical-community social work practice. Student analysis of practice with individuals, families, and group through a written and oral presentation of case material. Focus is on refinement of intervention skills relying on field practicum experience for integration of learning. Integration of knowledge from the Clinical Practice courses and Field Instruction. Students will prepare and present a case from their internship for oral presentation and demonstrate ability to organize and select appropriate treatment strategies for a specific client, family, or group. A broad range of field placements will provide diverse clients and a range of clinical issues. Students are expected to show evidence of critical thinking and self-awareness in written and oral presentations.

SOW 6609 Chronic Illness and Social Work

3 sh (may not be repeated for credit)

Exploration of chronic illness, including death, dying, life, and living, whether with respect to their own feelings, or that of clients with whom they might work, utilizing the systems perspective. We will focus on illness, care giving, the dying process, and grief and bereavement across the life span. In addition, we will consider the impact of gender, culture, religion, etc., on the topics. Furthermore, we will explore characteristics, special emphasis on resiliency, that allow us to survive, and, in fact, often thrive in the face of life?s traumas and tragic events, especially when provided with support and education. We will fulfill the goals and objectives of the course through the use of literature, videos, class discussion, presentations, guest speakers, assignments, and experiential activities. Department Permission is required.

SOW 6618 Clinical Practice I

3 sh (may not be repeated for credit)

Builds on the knowledge base of generalist social work practice. Emphasizes advanced assessment of clients across the life span, trauma assessment, and beginning evaluation of practice skills. Treatment planning with individuals, families, and groups is stressed. Building on the generalist practice base for analyzing and interpreting bio-psycho-socio-spiritual content, interpreting and implementing professional values and ethics, and utilizing the professional helping relationship. Introduces an advanced clinical practice base of clinical-community social work.

SOW 6619 Clinical Practice II

3 sh (may not be repeated for credit)

Clinical decision-making and advanced clinical interventions by building ona generalist approach to social work practice. Utilizes the clinical community concentration prerequisites to examine normal development and psychopathology as a foundation for advanced practice. Examines specific theories and models of intervention with individuals, families, and groups that can be tailored to client needs. Addresses work with clients across the life cycle with diverse issues. The impact of poverty, racism, sexism, and manifestations of institutionalized oppression upon clients and workers are addressed at an advanced level. Methods of enhancing adaptive functioning and resiliency are emphasized. Students will be expected to demonstrate clinical expertise, an understanding of social work ethics and values, incorporate client preferences, utilize critical thinking skills, and apply empirical evidence to practice decisions.

SOW 6626 Spiritually Sensitive Social Work Practice

3 sh (may not be repeated for credit)

Framework to assess and discuss spiritual and religious concepts in social work practice. Students will develop a spiritually sensitive knowledge base to respond competently and ethically with clients of all religious traditions and spiritual practices. Students will learn to incorporate spiritually sensitive social work practices with individuals, families, groups and communities. Students will integrate and demonstrate competent assessment, including interviewing skills,
necessary in spiritual dialogue in social work practice. Department Permission is required.

SOW 6656 Child and Adolescent Treatment

3 sh (may not be repeated for credit)

Familiarization with a range of child and adolescent psychological disorders typically seen in social work clinical practice. Emphasis will be placed on development, diagnostic issues, theoretical formulations, causes, treatment, and research findings related to each of these conditions. The course will utilize lecture, guest speakers, videos and classroom activities. Permission is required.

SOW 6678 Grief, Loss, and Life

3 sh (may not be repeated for credit)

Introduction to the current and historical perspectives of death, dying and bereavement. This course will address experiences and responses to a variety of deaths including perinatal death, death of a child, death following a terminal illness, suicide, homicide, and military related death. The Hospice movement?s history and goals will be part of the curriculum, as well as the experience of dying well. Special attention will be given to how other cultures and religions view death and ethical dilemmas related to death. Loss is a central and inescapable dimension of the human experience. How an individual learns to deal with loss from an early age shapes the adjustment that s/he is able to make to adverse life events throughout the life cycle and indeed determines to a large extent how satisfying and creative a life that person is able to live. This course will help the social work clinician explore and understand major theories of grief and loss, as well as treat clients of all ages who are dealing with a variety of losses. It will also assist the generalist practitioner in determining those situations in which an unresolved past experience of loss is contributing to poor adjustment in the present, as well as providing guidelines for helping the client grieve in a way that allows him or her to re-establish a sense of meaning, adapt to what is gone, and move on to live with increased vitality and joy.

SOW 6714 Addictions Treatment

3 sh (may not be repeated for credit)

Discussion of the major models and approaches to treatment of addictions used today, including Harm reduction model, Bio-psycho-social-spiritual model and other evidenced based treatment approaches. Specific treatment interventions from models will be discussed throughout. Department Permission is required.

SOW 6916 Mind/Body Practice and Positive Psychology

3 sh (may not be repeated for credit)

A focus on research from the last 25 years that has revolutionized our knowledge of brain function, its relation to overall coping, and specific practices that promote resilience and well-being. It will be an important contribution to the social work curriculum at the master?s level because it revolves around a strengths perspective that social work has always embraced, as well as teaching the advanced practitioner specific skills that s/he can use to help clients in the process of improving their lives. The course will be richly multicultural and will also include ancient wisdom from the humanities that supports this new evidence-based field of mind-body interaction. Department Permission is required.